Tips for my first build.

[DreadAFK]

Hey guys. I am new to the forums but have joined now because I am finally going into pc gaming.

 

I am purchasing my components for my PC pretty soon and will update this post with a list of the components

that I make my final decision on.

 

Right now I am a bit nervous going into my first build. I have watched numerous build guide videos by both linus and

many other YouTubers. I am making this post today to ask for some extra tips and tricks for doing my first build.

 

I have purchased some anti-static wrist straps, a multi-bit tool kit and have my other essential tools.

 

Any advice would be very appreciated. 

[DimasRMDO]

snip

So.... The PC parts? It does help.

[Mao_Zedong]

Some connectors will require quite a bit of pressure; I was shocked how hard some of the parts were to put in, as the videos make it look really easy. That being said, if it does take some decent pressure, double check that its in the right place the right way before doing anything drastic.

[nicholician]

You're probably more prepared than I was doing my first build. Honestly, you'll be fine. It's not as hard as you think, and  this is coming from a guy who just built his first computer 6 months ago.

[DimasRMDO]

Oh and.... Stay calm or at least try not to, panic will make things worse. Like @Biferony said, some parts do need some pressure to install, if you're not sure on what you're doing, try reading the manual. It helps you step by step on how to install the parts to the Motherboard.

[nicholician]

Some connectors will require quite a bit of pressure; I was shocked how hard some of the parts were to put in, ass the videos make it look really easy. That being said, if it does take some decent pressure, double check that its in the right place the right way before doing anything drastic.

 

Especially RAM for some reason. Don't be afraid of the board bending a little. It'll be fine.

[o0Martin]

For a first timer, just keep your manuals around they can be helpful to know which plugs do what, and which screws to go with what. 

Also if you can get your hand on a magnetic parts tray that will help you lose your small parts, and a magnetic tip screwdriver is a life saver. 

 

As for actually building it, if you've watch the videos there probably isn't much more to say, just be prepared for cabling to be annoying as fck, that's really the only 'hard'/long part, everything else should be pretty easy just take your time with it

[MaxTheMonster]

Well here are some tips.

 

1. Remove all the things when building (drive-cages, side panels etc.)
2. Don't eat whilst building. I learn't this the hard way, I had Pizza on my heatsink. 
3. Start with all of your tools
4. Rout your cables in the nearest grommet and plan out your cable management.

[nicholician]

Wait for ALL of your components to arrive before putting it together. Don't even take them out of the box. You'll be tempted to, but you'll learn the hard way that this is a bad idea if you do. I certainly did, and it made my build much more frustrating

[DimasRMDO]

Especially RAM for some reason. Don't be afraid of the board bending a little. It'll be fine.

Also CPU and GPU, needs a bit of pressure to install.

[nicholician]

Also CPU and GPU, needs a bit of pressure to install.

 

GPU not so much. The CPU retention arm is another story though.

[NickElDubs]

You are more prepared probably then I was. The only tool i used was a screwdriver

[DimasRMDO]

GPU not so much. The CPU retention arm is another story though.

Yeah GPU not much, the CPU.... Because some just afraid to break the CPU, because when I built my first PC, I was afraid to put the CPU to its socket.

[DreadAFK]

I haven't finalized these component choices (might change cpu cooler if I find a better one for same price of around 30-35 euro) but here is the general look of 

my build:

 

Case:   Corsair Graphite 780T Black

CPU:    Intel Core i7 4790K

GPU:    MSI GeForce GTX 960 4gb

MB:      Gigabyte Z97-X Gaming-5

RAM:   Corsair Vengeance Pro 16gb (2x 8gb) 2400Mhz

HDD:    Seagate 2TB Barracuda

CPU Cooler:    Arctic Cooling Freezer Xtreme Rev.2 Universal CPU Cooler

Fans:     Corsair Air Series sp120 Red (x3)

PSU:      Corsair 750w CS750M Semi-Modular 80+ Gold

[nicholician]

I haven't finalized these component choices (might change cpu cooler if I find a better one for same price of around 30-35 euro) but here is the general look of 

my build:

 

Case:   Corsair Graphite 780T Black

CPU:    Intel Core i7 4790K

GPU:    MSI GeForce GTX 960 4gb

MB:      Gigabyte Z97-X Gaming-5

RAM:   Corsair Vengeance Pro 16gb (2x 8gb) 2400Mhz

HDD:    Seagate 2TB Barracuda

CPU Cooler:    Arctic Cooling Freezer Xtreme Rev.2 Universal CPU Cooler

Fans:     Corsair Air Series sp120 Red (x3)

PSU:      Corsair 750w CS750M Semi-Modular 80+ Gold

 

If the intention of this system is purely gaming, swap the 4790K out for an i5 4690k, and dump the money saved into a better GPU.

[byalexandr]

Welcome to the forum!

 

Some tips:

Don't worry too much. Just be gentle and careful with your components, and all should go well.

Go in a step by step process. Just like the build guides from Linus and stuff.

Cable management is key to making a system look good. But so is component choice (yours looks pretty good, although I would get 4690K and a better GPU as @nicholician said, and also drop some cash on an SSD, as it makes the system feel A WHOLE LOT FASTER).

 

It may seem scary or like you're going to mess up, but hey, a five year old could build one. As a great man once said:

 

JUST DO IT!

[DreadAFK]

If the intention of this system is purely gaming, swap the 4790K out for an i5 4690k, and dump the money saved into a better GPU.

I will also be using the system for video editing, photo-shopping and college work as I am a games development student. 

[nicholician]

I will also be using the system for video editing, photo-shopping and college work as I am a games development student. 

 

If you really want to fly in video editing, you'll need more cores such as what is found on the X99 platform, but I'm not sure if that's really in your budget.

 

But you have to get an SSD as @byalexandr said. It really does make the system feel so much faster

[carguy86]

just dont be me, okay? (forgot to screw in a 90° fitting (it was semi-threaded in, just not far enough for tje o-ring to seal) and i spilled coolant all over my carpet...)

[GigaSnow]

You'll be just fine.

 

Go slow and double check your work.

[Shepanator]

Modern parts manuals are actually pretty good and most will give you an easy to follow step by step guide on how to fit things together. The motherboard manual will probably help you the most.

[nicholician]

just dont be me, okay? (forgot to screw in a 90° fitting (it was semi-threaded in, just not far enough for tje o-ring to seal) and i spilled coolant all over my carpet...)

 

Damn. That must have really sucked bro, sorry to hear that